Last week, President Joe Biden made a bold announcement that sent shock waves through the cannabis industry.
His decision to pardon thousands of those who are incarcerated over cannabis possession. Following the announcement, several Governors around the country took steps to look into how to move forward with freeing those who fit the qualifications.
Biden’s words were met with cheers from many in the cannabis industry. Like most things, there is a fine print. While the pardons do cover many, there was still no word on whether this would apply to those who have been incarcerated with intent to sell, or whether or not he would push for full legalization or declassification of the plant.
The biggest question is, what does this really mean for cannabis prisoners? Is this enough?
“Absolutely not,” said Hunter Knight.
Hunter is the public coordinator and political outreach for Legalize Georgia.
“I strive to remind the community that such a development like this is still a half measure. Biden could federally deschedule cannabis entirely with the stroke of a pen, as well as dismiss all federal charges related to cannabis (possession, distribution, etc).”
It’s that pressure that many feel the President can do but has yet to attempt. Since his election, the President has waffled on some of the promises he made in the past like making a way for legalization and freeing all who are imprisoned over cannabis.
Like many, Hunter was disappointed that the President hasn’t made good on that last promise.
“This is a great disappointment to me. How can Biden come to an understanding on how the war on cannabis has harmed this country, but still leave an entire group out? Every second someone sits in jail for a cannabis related charge, is time they will never get back. This is unacceptable given how lucrative the industry has become in the last 10 years. There is still much work to be done, and if cannabis advocates vote in their best interest, I do believe we can move further to assure that no one is left behind on this issue.”
Another big question mark that still hangs in the air is how would this impact the legacy market? Would this be a path for those who have been in the gray area for so long a way into the legal market?
“I’m mixed about this. As stated earlier, Biden has only committed to rescheduling cannabis. Until he or his Health and Human Services director lays out an official plan for the change in scheduling we really won’t know what to expect. While marijuana is a schedule 1 substance, making it a schedule 2 or lower will not rid the possibility of arrest, especially in more conservative states. This restricts the market for the plant as well as provides a pathway to inequality in how the use of cannabis is enforced.”
The biggest fear is that this is just another political play. As we approach midterms, Democrats could use a boost.
“Let’s be honest, America has a lot on its plate. Inflation, gas price fluctuation, natural disasters, the list goes on. This very announcement is simply a strategy to come out clean in the upcoming midterms on November 8th. Biden’s approval ratings have not been kind this year and that reflects on Democrats up and down the ballot,” said Knight.
While excitement is high for what could come from Biden’s announcement, what this can become is still up in the air.